The Prophet (peace be upon him) was very loyal to everyone who had something to do with his upbringing, or had some good relation with him or with his family. There are several Hadiths that speak of him demonstrating such loyalty and care. While this is a highly commendable quality which all people appreciate, the Prophet was the perfect example in truly caring for his old acquaintances, particularly those who looked after him when young. Once, a woman was taken captive by a Muslim army. She said to the soldiers that she was the Prophet’s sister through breast-feeding. They took her to him and he asked her for evidence. She mentioned a mark on his body, and he recognized that. He extended the best treatment to her, although her relationship with him was no more than that she was the daughter of his wet nurse. He then offered her the choice of staying with him or returning to her people. When she chose the latter, he gave her gifts and ensured her safe journey.
Another example is told by Abu Al-Tufayl, who was a young companion of the Prophet. He says: “I saw the Prophet distributing meat at Al-Ji’ranah (a place between Makkah and Taif, which is also pronounced as al-Ji’irranah). At the time I was a young lad and could carry a camel’s bone. A woman came to him, and he put his own robe for her to sit. I asked who the woman was, and I was told that she was the one who breast-fed him when young.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad and Abu Dawood).
This is the impression of a young lad who saw the Prophet honoring and welcoming an old woman who was not known to the people around. The gesture he did indicated that he honored her and gave her the position suitable to a mother. Her visit to him is recorded in other Hadiths as well. One such Hadith mentions that the woman’s husband, who is considered his father through breast-feeding came first, and the Prophet honored him, placing part of his robe for him to sit on. Then came Haleemah, his breast-feeding mother, and he placed the rest of his robe for her to sit. Then came her son, i.e. his breast-feeding brother, and the Prophet stood up to greet him and sat him next to himself.” (Related by Abu Dawood). Other Hadiths mention that when Haleemah approached, the Prophet stood up to welcome her, shouting with delight: ‘My mother, my mother!’
The Prophet’s action on such occasions impressed on his companions the need to honor old friends and acquaintances. While this is natural, some people may show reluctance to extend any warm feeling toward old acquaintances, thinking that they belonged to days gone by. But the Islamic practice is that old friendships and old relations should be honored and welcomed warmly.
Al-Mugheerah ibn Shu’bah was a companion of the Prophet who was appointed governor of Kufah and other areas by different caliphs, such as Umar, Uthman and Mu’awiyah. Once a man said to him: “May God give you what is best. Your doorkeeper knows certain people and he gives them preference when it comes to giving audience with you.” Al-Mugheerah said: “May God excuse him. Old friendship is useful even with a biting dog or with an aggressive camel.” (Related by Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad).
This is a very true comment by one of the Prophet’s companions. If old acquaintance would not be given its due, then man would not be as faithful to friendship as a dog or camel.
The Prophet addressed all situations and indicated the best guidance in all respects. One aspect which he addressed was personal cleanliness and hygiene. He is quoted to have said: “Five practices are based on sound human nature: circumcision, shaving pubic hair, plucking armpit hair, trimming the moustache and clipping one’s nails.” (Related by Al-Bukhari, Al-Nassaie and Al-Tirmidhi]. This Hadith is related in more than one version, but all these versions mention the same five practices, in different order, and emphasize that these are part of uncorrupted human nature. Other Hadiths indicate a time range for some of these practices, such as shaving pubic hair and plucking armpit hair, which are recommended to be done at intervals of no more than 40 days. Needless to say, these two areas have strong body odor and if they are left without removing the hair, the smell becomes strong and offensive. Clipping one’s nails is a mark of cleanliness. If nails are left to grow long they attract dirt and germs, which could fall in one’s food. Keeping them short is the best precaution against that.
Similarly, if one leaves one’s moustache untrimmed, it grows long and covers one’s upper lip. Its hair will then dip in one’s drink and particles of food may be trapped in it. This is not merely unsightly, but it could also be injurious to one’s health.
The case is similar with regard to circumcision. Unless the piece of foreskin is cut, it attracts dirt that becomes trapped under its folds. It could represent a health risk. Islam takes care of all these as a measure of health protection and personal hygiene.